Peter Nagy, Nature Morte Founder, Dies at 67

American artist and gallerist Peter Nagy died on 13 October 2026, aged 67, after a prolonged illness. He co-founded Nature Morte in New York City in 1982 with Alan Belcher and later established the gallery in India. Nagy was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1959 and graduated in communication design from Parsons School of Design in 1981.

Nature Morte and its history

Nature Morte began in 1982 in New York City’s East Village. Nagy moved to New Delhi in 1992 and re-established the gallery there in 1997. In August 2026, Nature Morte marked its 30th year with a new permanent space in Delhi’s Gulmohar Park. The gallery opened a Mumbai branch in January 2024. Its Delhi and Mumbai galleries are to remain open following Nagy’s death, in accordance with his wishes.

Contemporary art and gallery practice

Contemporary art generally refers to art produced in the present period, although its boundaries vary across institutions and academic contexts. Contemporary art galleries organise exhibitions and may represent artists, present their work to audiences, and connect artists with collectors and institutions. Nature Morte represents Indian contemporary artists, including Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, Jitish Kallat and Reena Saini Kallat.

Peter Nagy’s education and work

Nagy studied communication design at Parsons School of Design, receiving his degree in 1981. His work as an artist and gallerist connected his early New York gallery practice with his later work in India. Nature Morte became an established gallery for contemporary art in South Asia during his career. Its activity included presenting Indian artists to audiences beyond India.

Important Facts for Exams

• Nature Morte was co-founded by Peter Nagy and Alan Belcher in New York City in 1982.
• Peter Nagy was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1959.
• Nagy received a degree in communication design from Parsons School of Design in 1981.
• Nature Morte opened its Mumbai branch in January 2024.

Nature Morte re-established its Delhi gallery in 1997. Its permanent space opened in Gulmohar Park in August 2026.